bjbailey Posted February 16, 2013 Share Posted February 16, 2013 Hey Experts, As I've been tying through winter and re-stocking my box in chronological order of the hatches/seasons for this upcoming year, I'm reminded of some really annoying line twist I was getting last year with hoppers, particularly a few foam patterns. Does anyone else find that layered foam hoppers tend to roll in the water and twist up your line? Maybe this is something to do with a bad casting stroke I've developed? I noticed that it happens a lot less when I have a hopper with a full natural overwing (deer hair, etc.). That makes me think that it's partly to do with how the fly is riding in the water more than my casting (the wing doesn't allow it to roll and tumble as easily in the water). Any thoughts on causes or remedies? Thanks all. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SilverDoctor Posted February 17, 2013 Share Posted February 17, 2013 Just some thoughts, my hoppers don’t roll in the water. Be sure you fly line itself isn’t twisted on the reel. I’ve seen this, a good way to rectify it is to let out the fly line alone downstream then reel it back in. I did have a fly line at one time that was susceptible to twisting, you might test a different fly line, hoppers are large and do like a line with a bit of forward mass to cast correctly compared to a say a dry fly. Some lines have more memory than others and like a quick stretch before use. As you indicated it could be the cast or a spinning fly in the air before touchdown, some flies do like to helicopter. Lots of things come into play. Be sure of course that your setup is balanced line to rod and is correct for casting large bugs. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bcubed Posted February 17, 2013 Share Posted February 17, 2013 What tippet are you normally running when hopper fishing? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pkk Posted February 17, 2013 Share Posted February 17, 2013 Like bcube implied. You are using to fine a tippet. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bjbailey Posted February 17, 2013 Author Share Posted February 17, 2013 I usually aim for 3x, but if in fishing softer water I will downsize sometimes. What do you usually use? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bcubed Posted February 17, 2013 Share Posted February 17, 2013 Need something stiffer to turn the bugs over. If you watch a hopper when casting it will spin in the air, and macramé your line. Regular 'supple' tippet won't cut it Try 6-8lb maxima. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bjbailey Posted February 17, 2013 Author Share Posted February 17, 2013 Thanks for the tip. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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